“Harper wants our wedding to be perfect, but she’s getting way too stressed.”
Steve nodded sympathetically. “From what I’ve seen, weddings can be intense. Have you talked to Daniella? She organizes weddings all the time at The Fairy Forest. She might be able to help.”
Owen veered around a fallen branch. “I suggested that, but I’m not sure what Harper will do. Her mom wants the whole white lace, poofy dress, and top hat scenario. Harper wants something simple. Finding a middle ground isn’t easy.”
They reached a bend in the trail. The lake came into view again, shimmering under the morning sun. Steve noticed Owen’s slightly worried expression and decided to change the subject. “How’s Benjamin doing?”
Owen’s face softened. “He’s hanging in there. Harper’s granddad is tougher than he looks.”
Steve nodded. “To live through the number of strokes he’s had, he must be tough.”
Owen laughed. “From what he’s said, the social events at his care facility keep him going. When he tells me what he’s been doing, I’m a little envious.”
Steve smiled as they dug deep for a steep part of the trail. As he wheezed up the last few feet, he looked at Owen.
“Don’t even say it,” Owen said through gritted teeth. “We’ll make it to the top, then we’re stopping.”
When they reached the plateau, Steve dropped his hands to his knees and sucked great mouthfuls of air into his lungs.
“We should have gone for more runs,” Owen said as he dropped to the ground. “I feel old.”
“That’s because you are,” Steve said half-jokingly. When his lungs weren’t screaming from oxygen deprivation, he straightened and looked across the lake. “I’ll never get tired of this view.”
Owen groaned and rolled onto his feet. “Neither will I. Being out here is one of the reasons I came home. When you look at the lake, your issues feel like they’re the size of a pinprick.”
When Owen’s PTSD got really bad, he’d disappear for days into the mountains surrounding Sapphire Bay. As far as Steve knew, that hadn’t happened in a while.
“Have you needed to camp out here since you and Harper got engaged?”
Owen shook his head. “I’ve traded my rustic campsites for chocolate Frappuccinos at The Starlight Café.”
Steve’s eyebrows rose. “Is this the same guy who came out of the mountains looking like a grizzly bear and smelling like a skunk?”
“I’ve evolved. That’s what love and a good woman do to you. And talking about good women, how’s Eden?”
Steve stretched his calf muscles before they cramped. “We’re doing okay. She still won’t let me pay for anything around her house, but we’re spending time together.”
Taking his water bottle out of his backpack, Owen took a sip. “At least Eden’s staying in Sapphire Bay. That gives you time to show her she can trust you.” His arm dropped to his side when he looked at Steve. “Is she leaving?”
Steve frowned. “She bought a house, but that doesn’t mean she’s staying in Sapphire Bay.”
“Oh, man.” Owen threw his backpack over his shoulders. “Break’s over, but the questions aren’t.” As they continued their run, Owen glanced at Steve. “I thought Eden was happy here?”
“So did I, but when I met her, she said she wasn’t making any long-term plans. The other day, she was looking online at the prices the houses sell for in Sapphire Bay.”
Owen frowned. “That doesn’t mean she’s thinking of leaving. Mom does that all the time, but my parents have been in the same house for decades.”
Steve nodded, feeling a bit better but still uneasy. “I guess I just need to talk to her, find out where her head is at.”
“Exactly,” Owen said. “You can’t work out what’s happening if you don’t talk to each other.”
Steve knew Owen was right. But talking about something that could end their relationship wasn’t easy. Especially for someone who found it hard to discuss how he was feeling.
Chapter22
Eden’s heart pounded as she stood outside Julie Gibbs’ office, the principal of Sapphire Bay Elementary School. What she was about to do could change her life forever.
From when Eden had first met her, Julie had gone out of her way to make her feel welcome. She’d encouraged her to become involved in other activities at the school, like sports practices and the production. Her practical advice and kindness had helped Eden rebuild her confidence and enjoy the time she spent with the students.
